DMG tighten up security after Ardingly gems theft

DMG Antiques Fairs say they have increased security following the theft of £80,000 worth of jewellery at their Ardingly fair on September 3.

With the jewellery still unrecovered, dmg’s operations manager Rachel Everett said: “With a fair as vast as Newark, additional methods have to be put in place. Security guards are stationed in every building to protect stock throughout the night and we also employ two uniformed police officers to patrol the fair during their events.

“We also have our own police liaison officer, Austin O’Driscoll, a retired police detective who specialised in antiques crime. “His presence is undoubtedly a deterrent to thieves and those attempting to sell stolen antiques. Austin patrols the fairs with a further plain clothes police officer and works closely with the on-site stewards who, while not employed directly as security, provide a reassuring presence to stallholders and buyers.“

Ms Everett added: “While the measures used at Newark are not available at all of our events, the provision of stewards during the day, security personnel throughout the night and close liaison with the local police force are used at all times.”

Antiques Trade Gazette is the weekly bible of the fine art and antiques industry. Read articles like this every week in the Antiques Trade Gazette or ATG app. Find out more and Subscribe Today!

EUROPE’s leading showground events organisers DMG Antiques Fairs have been oiling the wheels of their fixtures, and it is much appreciated at Ardingly where their fair has been going from strength to strength.

UK: THE KENT County Council Bill, which seeks to impose rigorous controls on all trade in secondhand goods in the county, passed its third reading in the House of Lords on January 18, despite substantial opposition, both inside and outside the House.